If you’ve been craving a quick yet flavor-packed chicken dish, Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin is about to become a regular star at your dinner table. These golden, juicy chicken strips are seasoned to perfection and cooked to crispy, irresistible tenderness in just minutes thanks to the trusty air fryer. That crunchy exterior paired with crazy-moist chicken inside? Absolute magic – and best of all, no messy oil splatter anywhere in sight! Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight main, slicing over salads, or tucking into wraps, Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin will reliably wow both little ones and grown-up guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin recipe keeps things simple, with every ingredient chosen to pack in tons of flavor and that iconic crispy finish. It’s a short list, but each spice and oil brings something special, working together to create a juicy and aromatic result every time.
- Chicken tenderloins (1 ½ pounds): These naturally tender cuts cook up juicy and flavorful, absorbing all the seasonings beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds moisture and helps the spices cling to every piece, plus brings a subtle richness.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, deep garlicky taste without any chopping required.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Offers a mellow sweetness and a savory layer to the seasoning blend.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives the chicken a smoky kick and stunning color – totally addictive!
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning; don’t skip it, as it makes all the flavors pop.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For a gentle tingle and earthy depth.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Adds a herby, Mediterranean vibe to each bite.
- Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): Want a hint of heat? This is your secret weapon – add to taste.
- Cooking spray: Just a light mist keeps the chicken from sticking and encourages a crisp finish.
How to Make Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Get your air fryer on and humming by preheating it to 400°F (200°C). This quick step ensures the Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin cooks evenly and achieves that coveted golden exterior right from the start. Preheating only takes a few minutes but helps deliver consistently crispy results.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Add the chicken tenderloins to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. With impeccably clean hands or a trusty set of tongs, toss the chicken until every piece is nicely coated. The olive oil not only adds richness, but also makes sure the spices adhere perfectly to each tenderloin.
Step 3: Mix and Add Seasonings
In a separate small bowl, stir together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and that pinch of cayenne if you’re feeling spicy. Sprinkle this fragrant mix over the chicken, tossing again to blanket every strip in delicious, aromatic flavor. You want full coverage for maximum taste.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Give your air fryer basket a quick spritz with cooking spray. This step is crucial: it keeps your chicken from sticking and encourages a beautifully crisp outer layer as the tenderloins cook.
Step 5: Arrange and Cook
Lay the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer inside the basket, making sure not to overcrowd. If you’re making a big batch, cook in batches—it’s so worth it! Air fry for 9 to 11 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they turn deeply golden and a kitchen thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest piece.
Step 6: Let Them Rest
Patience just for a moment! Once cooked, let the Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin rest for a few minutes. This short wait lets the juices redistribute, so each bite is extra succulent and never dry.
How to Serve Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of color and a bright finish. For a tangy lift, squeeze a little lemon over the top just before serving. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dusting of grated Parmesan doesn’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin is endlessly adaptable, playing well with so many accompaniments. Pair with a crisp coleslaw, roasted veggies, or classic mashed potatoes for comfort food vibes. If you want something lighter, serve atop fresh greens or alongside a tangy cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin and tuck into wraps or pitas with hummus, lettuce, and tomatoes for a lunch you’ll look forward to. Cube and layer over a grain bowl with quinoa, avocado, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. Or serve with a trio of dipping sauces for a kid-friendly (or game night!) platter everyone can’t resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin, store cooled pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll retain their lovely texture and flavor, perfect for easy future meals.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled tenderloins in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop into the freezer until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This process prevents sticking and makes it easy to grab just what you need for quick dinners down the road. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best crispiness, reheat refrigerated or frozen Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C). This brings back their crunchy edges and keeps the inside juicy—just like fresh! Avoid microwaving, as it can soften that irresistible coating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins?
Yes, you can use frozen tenderloins in a pinch—just be sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before seasoning for even browning and best flavor absorption.
What’s the best dipping sauce for this Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin?
These are spectacular with a classic ranch dip, honey mustard, smoky barbecue, or a zesty buffalo sauce! Let your favorites inspire you or whip up a sampler plate for dipping fun.
Can I double the recipe?
You can easily double or even triple the batch for a party or meal prep—just cook in batches so each tenderloin has ample space to get really crispy in the air fryer.
My chicken isn’t crispy enough. Any tips?
Try adding a panko breadcrumb coating after seasoning for extra crunch, and always arrange the chicken in a single, non-overlapping layer. Lightly spraying the tops with cooking spray before air frying can also maximize crispiness.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, as long as all your seasonings are gluten free and you avoid the optional panko coating (or use gluten-free panko), this Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin recipe fits most gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin, you’ll understand why it’s such a favorite in so many kitchens. It brings together everything you love—quick prep, big flavor, and that light, crispy finish only an air fryer can deliver. If you’re looking for a new go-to recipe that never disappoints, give this one a try and make it your own!
Print
Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy crispy and flavorful chicken tenderloins with this air fryer recipe. Coated in a blend of seasonings, these tender and juicy chicken strips are perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenderloins:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Coat Chicken: Toss chicken tenderloins with olive oil in a large bowl.
- Season Chicken: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, and cayenne. Coat chicken with seasoning.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Air Fry: Arrange seasoned chicken in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 9–11 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest before serving.
Notes
- For a crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs after seasoning.
- Pair with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 tenderloins
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
